Arrr! Me hearties, the scurvy affliction known as National PTSD be takin' too many lives. Be time to pay heed!
2023-07-01
Arrr, me hearties! Be it known that this month be a timely reminder that many brave souls, be they veterans, first responders, or the like, do battle not only with their enemies but also with anxiety, melancholy, and shattered abodes, all a consequence of a plague of suicides that befall 'em.
June is designated as PTSD Awareness Month to bring attention to the mental health crisis that affects veterans, military service members, and first responders. While LGBTQ Pride receives significant support and promotion, those who have dedicated their lives to protecting the freedom and safety of others are often overlooked. As a result, many individuals in these communities struggle with anxiety, depression, and broken homes, leading to a high rate of suicides. Both PTSD Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month pass by with little attention or awareness, despite the devastating mental health crisis that the nation is facing.Support programs for veterans and service members are discouraged or cut, and the VA's faith- and community-based programs have been disappearing. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Afghanistan withdrawal have worsened the situation, leaving isolated youth and disillusioned veterans questioning the worth of their sacrifices. Shockingly, the VA has been undercounting the number of veteran suicides, raising concerns about the lack of acknowledgment and action on this issue.
To address these gaps, the Mighty Oaks Foundation was founded, offering non-clinical faith-based peer-to-peer mentoring programs for those struggling with PTSD and mental health challenges. However, wholesome and uplifting programs are being scrubbed from society, while personal resilience is discouraged, leading to a fragile and victimhood-celebrating society.
The nation is also facing unprecedented divisiveness, where truth is elusive, confusion is widespread, and definitions are constantly changing. This confusion, combined with the forced acceptance of nonreality, contributes to anxiety and depression among America's youth. The military and first responders witness the replacement of the flag they defend with symbols representing a radical and divisive few.
The resolution of this mental health crisis requires acknowledging its existence and addressing the underlying issues. Overcoming this crisis will not be easy, but it will result in a healthier and happier nation. Society must stand up for truth and confront the reality of the challenges it faces.